Eye Opener: Photo Essay

After much thought about what would be an appropriate and interesting photo essay, I finally decided on...    Unsafe Rental Housing.

It seems that many college students are living in properties nowadays that are under-maintained and unsafe. Many don't know what is actually considered unsafe and I looked up a couple of renter's rights in regards to the safety of their rental property. Here are some I found quite interesting (all courtesy of MSN Real Estate):

1. Many states limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits. (See this page on Nolo.com to find out if yours is one of them.)

2. A landlord must give prior notice (typically 24 hours) before entering your premises and can normally only do so to make repairs or in case of an emergency.

3. If a landlord has violated important terms related to health, safety, or necessary repairs, you might have a legal right to break your lease.

4. If you have to break a long-term lease, in most states landlords are required to search for a new tenant as soon as possible rather than charging the tenant for the full duration of the lease.

5. Damage or security deposits are not deductible for "normal wear and tear." Some states require that a landlord give an itemized report of any deductions.

6. Most states require landlords to return refundable portions of a security deposit within 14 to 30 days after the tenant has vacated the premises, even in the case of eviction.

7. In many states, it's illegal for a lease to stipulate that the tenant is responsible for the landlord's attorney fees in case of a court dispute.

And, finally, here are some photos I got from the property we are currently renting here in Duluth. I will add that this property has been the nicest I have rented here by far, so the photos were hard to find. If I were able to go back to the other places that I lived I would certainly be able to acquire WAY more.

This first photo was in the bedroom. These wires are just laying out and have been that way since we moved in.

This one is a picture of the mold in the upstairs shower, where I complete my Lifestyle Changes every week. No wonder I can keep them so short!!! :)

This shows the screen, or lack there of, for the front door.

I actually discovered while I was taking these photos that this smoke detector wasn't even working! Major no-no!

Ceiling problems....

 

 

In all college rental properties, fireplaces are not allowed because the insurance would be too high. This fireplace, in fact, DOES work. HUGE NO-NO.

This closet door isn't actually hooked up to anything and when you slide it, it falls down. Extremely unsafe since these old doors are as heavy as boulders.

This is very misleading however, since your view of the front of this closet looks like it is big and a nice size.

I hope by viewing my photo essay it has opened your eyes and made you aware of things to look for in your own rental property. Your landlord doesn't have ALL the power. Happy renting!